Fungicidal composition comprising a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative and a compound capable of inhibiting the ergosterol biosynthesis

ABSTRACT

A composition comprising at least a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I) (a) and a compound capable of inhibiting the ergosterol biosynthesis (b) in a (a) / (b) weight ratio of from 0.01 to 20. &lt;??&gt;A composition further comprising an additional fungicidal compound. &lt;??&gt;A method for preventively or curatively combating the phytopathogenic fungi of crops by using this composition.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/587,801, filed Jul. 31, 2006, which, in turn, is a 35 U.S.C. §371 national phase of PCT/EP2005/002568, filed Feb. 10, 2005, which claims priority of European Patent Application No. 04356014.3, filed Feb. 12, 2004, and U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/636,956, filed Dec. 17, 2004, the entire contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to novel fungicide compositions comprising a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative and a compound capable of inhibiting the ergosterol biosynthesis. The present invention also relates to a method of combating or controlling phytopathogenic fungi by applying at a locus infested or liable to be infested such a composition.

International patent application WO 01/11965 generically discloses numerous pyridylethylbenzamide derivatives. The possibility of combining one or more of these numerous pyridylethylbenzamide derivatives with known fungicidal products to develop a fungicidal activity is disclosed in general terms, without any specific example or biological data.

It is always of high-interest in agriculture to use novel pesticidal mixtures showing a synergistic effect in order notably to avoid or to control the development of resistant strains to the active ingredients or to the mixtures of known active ingredients used by the farmer while minimising the doses of chemical products spread in the environment and reducing the cost of the treatment.

We have now found some novel fungicidal compositions which possess the above mentioned characteristics.

Accordingly, the present invention relates to a composition comprising:

a) a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I)

in which:

p is an integer equal to 1, 2, 3 or 4;

q is an integer equal to 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5;

each substituent X is chosen, independently of the others, as being halogen, alkyl or haloalkyl;

each substituent Y is chosen, independently of the others, as being halogen, alkyl, alkenyl, alkynyl, haloalkyl, alkoxy, amino, phenoxy, alkylthio, dialkylamino, acyl, cyano, ester, hydroxy, aminoalkyl, benzyl, haloalkoxy, halosulphonyl, halothioalkyl, alkoxyalkenyl, alkylsulphonamide, nitro, alkylsulphonyl, phenylsulphonyl or benzylsulphonyl;

as to the N-oxides of 2-pyridine thereof;

and

b) a compound capable of inhibiting the ergosterol biosynthesis;

in a (a)/(b) weight ratio of from 0.01 to 20.

In the context of the present invention:

halogen means chlorine, bromine, iodine or fluorine;

each of the alkyl or acyl radicals present in the molecule contains from 1 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 1 to 7 carbon atoms, more preferably from 1 to 5 carbon atoms, and may be linear or branched;

each of the alkenyl or alkynyl radicals present in the molecule contains from 2 to 10 carbon atoms, preferably from 2 to 7 carbon atoms, more preferably from 2 to 5 carbon atoms, and may be linear or branched.

The composition according to the present invention provides a synergistic effect. This synergistic effect allows a reduction of the chemical substances spread into the environment and a reduction of the cost of the fungal treatment.

In the context of the present invention, the term “synergistic effect” is defined by Colby according to the article entitled “Calculation of the synergistic and antagonistic responses of herbicide combinations” Weeds, (1967), 15, pages 20-22.

The latter article mentions the formula:

$E = {x + y - \frac{x*y}{100}}$ in which E represents the expected percentage of inhibition of the disease for the combination of the two fungicides at defined doses (for example equal to x and y respectively), x is the percentage of inhibition observed for the disease by the compound (I) at a defined dose (equal to x), y is the percentage of inhibition observed for the disease by the compound (II) at a defined dose (equal to y). When the percentage of inhibition observed for the combination is greater than E, there is a synergistic effect.

The composition according to the present invention comprises a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I). Preferably, the present invention relates to a composition comprising a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I) in which the different characteristics may be chosen alone or in combination as being:

-   -   as regards p, p is 2;     -   as regards q, q is 1 or 2. More preferably, q is 2;     -   as regards X, X is chosen, independently of the others, as being         halogen or haloalkyl. More preferably, X is chosen,         independently of the others, as being a chloro atom or a         trifluoromethyl group;     -   as regards Y, Y is chosen, independently of the others, as being         halogen or haloalkyl. More preferably, Y is chosen,         independently of the others, as being a chloro atom or a         trifluoromethyl group;

More preferably, the pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I) present in the composition of the present invention is:

-   N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide     (compound 1); -   N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-iodobenzamide     (compound 2); or -   N-{2-[3,5-dichloro-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide     (compound 3).

Even more preferably, the pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I) present in the composition of the present invention is N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (compound 1).

The composition according to the present invention comprises a compound capable of inhibiting the ergosterol biosynthesis. Preferably, the present invention relates to a composition comprising a compound capable of inhibiting the ergosterol biosynthesis selected from triazole derivatives, imidazole derivatives, morpholine derivatives, piperidine derivatives, fenhexamid, spiroxamine or triforine. Spiroxamine, triforine and fenhexamid are preferred.

Triazole derivatives are also preferred. According to the present invention, triazole derivatives may for example be azaconazole, bitertanol, bromuconazole, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, diniconazole, epoxiconazole, fenbuconazole, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flutriafol, hexaconazole, imibenconazole, ipconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, penconazole, propiconazole, prothioconazole, simeconazole, tebuconazole, tetraconazole, triadimefon, triadimenol, triticonazole, diclobutrazole, etaconazole, fluotrimazole, furconazole, furconazole-cis, triamiphos, triazbutil. Cyproconazole, fluquinconazole, prothioconazole and tebuconazole are still preferred.

Imidazole derivatives are also preferred. According to the present invention, imidazole derivatives may for example be imazalil, prochloraz, oxpoconazole fumarate, pefurazoate or triflumizole. Prochloraz is still preferred.

Morpholine derivatives are also preferred. According to the present invention, morpholine derivatives may for example be aldimorph, dodemorph, fenpropimorph or tridemorph. Fenpropimorph and tridemorph are still preferred.

Piperidine derivatives are also preferred. According to the present invention, piperidine derivatives may for example be fenpropidin or piperalin.

The composition according to the present invention comprises at least a pyridylethylbenzamide derivative of general formula (I) (a) and a compound capable of inhibiting the ergosterol biosynthesis (b) in an (a)/(b) weight ratio of from 0.01 to 20; preferably of from 0.05 to 10; even more preferably, of from 0.1 to 5.

The composition of the present invention may further comprise at least one other different fungicide active ingredient (c).

The fungicidal active ingredient (c) may be selected from azaconazole, azoxystrobin, (Z)—N-[α-(cyclopropylmethoxyimino)-2,3-difluoro-6-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl]-2-phenylacetamide, 6-iodo-2-propoxy-3-propylquinazolin-4(3H)-one, benalaxyl, benomyl, benthiavalicarb, biphenyl, bitertanol, blasticidin-S, boscalid, borax, bromuconazole, bupirimate, sec-butylamine, calcium polysulfide, captafol, captan, carbendazim, carboxin, carpropamid, chinomethionat, chlorothalonil, chlozolinate, copper hydroxide, copper octanoate, copper oxychloride, copper sulfate, cuprous oxide, cyazofamid, cymoxanil, cyproconazole, cyprodinil, dazomet, debacarb, dichlofluanid, dichlorophen, diclobutrazole, diclocymet, diclomezine, dicloran, diethofencarb, difenoconazole, difenzoquat metilsulfate, difenzoquat, diflumetorim, dimethirimol, dimethomorph, diniconazole, dinobuton, dinocap, diphenylamine, dithianon, dodemorph, dodemorph acetate, dodine, edifenphos, epoxiconazole, etaconazole, ethaboxam, ethirimol, ethoxyquin, etridiazole, famoxadone, fenamidone, fenarimol, fenbuconazole, fenfuram, fenhexamid, fenpiclonil, fenoxanil, fenpropidin, fenpropimorph, fentin, fentin hydroxide, fentin acetate, ferbam, ferimzone, fluazinam, fludioxonil, fluoroimide, fluoxastrobin, fluquinconazole, flusilazole, flusulfamide, flutolanil, flutriafol, folpet, formaldehyde, fosetyl, fosetyl-aluminium, fuberidazole, furalaxyl, furametpyr, guazatine, guazatine acetates, hexachlorobenzene, hexaconazole, 8-hydroxyquinoline sulfate, potassium hydroxyquinoline sulfate, hymexazol, imazalil sulfate, imazalil, imibenconazole, iminoctadine, iminoctadine triacetate, ipconazole, iprobenfos, iprodione, iprovalicarb, isoprothiolane, kasugamycin, kasugamycin hydrochloride hydrate, kresoxim-methyl, mancopper, mancozeb, maneb, mepanipyrim, mepronil, mercuric chloride, mercuric oxide, mercurous chloride, metalaxyl, metalaxyl-M, metam-sodium, metam, metconazole, methasulfocarb, methyl isothiocyanate, metiram, metominostrobin, mildiomycin, myclobutanil, nabam, nickel bis(dimethyldithiocarbamate), nitrothal-isopropyl, nuarimol, octhilinone, ofurace, oleic acid, oxadixyl, oxine-copper, oxpoconazole fumarate, oxycarboxin, pefurazoate, penconazole, pencycuron, pentachlorophenol, sodium pentachlorophenoxide, pentachlorophenyl laurate, phenylmercury acetate, sodium 2-phenylphenoxide, 2-phenylphenol, phosphorous acid, phthalide, picoxystrobin, piperalin, polyoxinspolyoxin B, polyoxin, polyoxorim, probenazole, prochloraz, procymidone, propamocarb hydrochloride, propamocarb, propiconazole, propineb, prothioconazole, pyraclostrobin, pyrazophos, pyributicarb, pyrifenox, pyrimethanil, pyroquilon, quinoxyfen, quintozene, silthiofam, simeconazole, spiroxamine, sulfur, tar oils, tebuconazole, tecnazene, tetraconazole, thiabendazole, thifluzamide, thiophanate-methyl, thiram, tolclofos-methyl, tolylfluanid, triadimefon, triadimenol, triazoxide, tricyclazole, tridemorph, trifloxystrobin, triflumizole, triforine, triticonazole, validamycin, vinclozolin, zineb, ziram and zoxamide.

Preferably, fungicidal active ingredient (c) is selected from trifloxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, pyrimethanil, thiabendazole, guazatine, imidoctadine, picoxystrobin, pyraclostrobin, azoxystrobin, dimoxystrobin, metaminostrobin, 2-{2-[6-(3-chloro-2-methylphenoxy)-5-fluoro-pyrimidin-4-yloxy]-phenyl}2-methoxyimino-N-methylacetamide, captane, dodine, propineb, mancozeb, spiroxamine, prothioconazole, tebuconazole, thirame, tolylfluanid, iminoctadine, dithianon, sulphur, copper hydroxide, copper octanoate, copper oxychloride, copper sulfate, dinocap, quinoxyfen, 2-butoxy-6-iodo-3-propyl-benzopyran-4-one, fludioxonil, triazoxide, fosetyl-A1 and phosphorous acid.

Where the third active ingredient (c) as defined above is present in the composition, this compound may be present in an amount of (a):(b):(c) weight ratio of from 1:0.01:0.01 to 1:20:20; the ratios of compound (a) and compound (c) varying independently from each other. Preferably, the (a):(b):(c) weight ratio may be of from 1:0.05:0.05 to 1:10:10.

Following compositions may be cited to illustrate in a non-limited manner the present invention:compound 1 with fenhexamid, compound 1 with spiroxamine, compound 1 with triforine, compound 1 with azaconazole, compound 1 with bitertanol, compound 1 with bromuconazole, compound 1 with cyproconazole, compound 1 with difenoconazole, compound 1 with diniconazole, compound 1 with epoxiconazole, compound 1 with fenbuconazole, compound 1 with fluquinconazole, compound 1 with flusilazole, compound 1 with flutriafol, compound 1 with hexaconazole, compound 1 with imibenconazole, compound 1 with ipconazole, compound 1 with metconazole, compound 1 with myclobutanil, compound 1 with penconazole, compound 1 with propiconazole, compound 1 with prothioconazole, compound 1 with simeconazole, compound 1 with tebuconazole, compound 1 with tetraconazole, compound 1 with triadimefon, compound 1 with triadimenol, compound 1 with triticonazole, compound 1 with diclobutrazole, compound 1 with etaconazole, compound 1 with fluotrimazole, compound 1 with furconazole, compound 1 with furconazole-cis, compound 1 with triamiphos, compound 1 with triazbutil, compound 1 with imazalil, compound 1 with prochloraz, compound 1 with oxpoconazole fumarate, compound 1 with pefurazoate, compound 1 with triflumizole, compound 1 with aldimorph, compound 1 with dodemorph, compound 1 with fenpropimorph, compound 1 with tridemorph, compound 1 with fenpropidin, compound 1 with piperalin, compound 2 with fenhexamid, compound 2 with spiroxamine, compound 2 with triforine, compound 2 with azaconazole, compound 2 with bitertanol, compound 2 with bromuconazole, compound 2 with cyproconazole, compound 2 with difenoconazole, compound 2 with diniconazole, compound 2 with epoxiconazole, compound 2 with fenbuconazole, compound 2 with fluquinconazole, compound 2 with flusilazole, compound 2 with flutriafol, compound 2 with hexaconazole, compound 2 with imibenconazole, compound 2 with ipconazole, compound 2 with metconazole, compound 2 with myclobutanil, compound 2 with penconazole, compound 2 with propiconazole, compound 2 with prothioconazole, compound 2 with simeconazole, compound 2 with tebuconazole, compound 2 with tetraconazole, compound 2 with triadimefon, compound 2 with triadimenol, compound 2 with triticonazole, compound 2 with diclobutrazole, compound 2 with etaconazole, compound 2 with fluotrimazole, compound 2 with furconazole, compound 2 with furconazole-cis, compound 2 with triamiphos, compound 2 with triazbutil, compound 2 with imazalil, compound 2 with prochloraz, compound 2 with oxpoconazole fumarate, compound 2 with pefurazoate, compound 2 with triflumizole, compound 2 with aldimorph, compound 2 with dodemorph, compound 2 with fenpropimorph, compound 2 with tridemorph, compound 2 with fenpropidin, compound 2 with piperalin, compound 3 with fenhexamid, compound 3 with spiroxamine, compound 3 with triforine, compound 3 with azaconazole, compound 3 with bitertanol, compound 3 with bromuconazole, compound 3 with cyproconazole, compound 3 with difenoconazole, compound 3 with diniconazole, compound 3 with epoxiconazole, compound 3 with fenbuconazole, compound 3 with fluquinconazole, compound 3 with flusilazole, compound 3 with flutriafol, compound 3 with hexaconazole, compound 3 with imibenconazole, compound 3 with ipconazole, compound 3 with metconazole, compound 3 with myclobutanil, compound 3 with penconazole, compound 3 with propiconazole, compound 3 with prothioconazole, compound 3 with simeconazole, compound 3 with tebuconazole, compound 3 with tetraconazole, compound 3 with triadimefon, compound 3 with triadimenol, compound 3 with triticonazole, compound 3 with diclobutrazole, compound 3 with etaconazole, compound 3 with fluotrimazole, compound 3 with furconazole, compound 3 with furconazole-cis, compound 3 with triamiphos, compound 3 with triazbutil, compound 3 with imazalil, compound 3 with prochloraz, compound 3 with oxpoconazole fumarate, compound 3 with pefurazoate, compound 3 with triflumizole, compound 3 with aldimorph, compound 3 with dodemorph, compound 3 with fenpropimorph, compound 3 with tridemorph, compound 3 with fenpropidin, compound 3 with piperalin.

The composition according to the present invention may further comprise an other additional component such as an agriculturally acceptable support, carrier or filler.

In the present specification, the term “support” denotes a natural or synthetic, organic or inorganic material with which the active material is combined to make it easier to apply, notably to the parts of the plant. This support is thus generally inert and should be agriculturally acceptable. The support may be a solid or a liquid. Examples of suitable supports include clays, natural or synthetic silicates, silica, resins, waxes, solid fertilisers, water, alcohols, in particular butanol, organic solvents, mineral and plant oils and derivatives thereof. Mixtures of such supports may also be used.

The composition may also comprise other additional components. In particular, the composition may further comprise a surfactant. The surfactant can be an emulsifier, a dispersing agent or a wetting agent of ionic or non-ionic type or a mixture of such surfactants. Mention may be made, for example, of polyacrylic acid salts, lignosulphonic acid salts, phenolsulphonic or naphthalenesulphonic acid salts, polycondensates of ethylene oxide with fatty alcohols or with fatty acids or with fatty amines, substituted phenols (in particular alkylphenols or arylphenols), salts of sulphosuccinic acid esters, taurine derivatives (in particular alkyl taurates), phosphoric esters of polyoxyethylated alcohols or phenols, fatty acid esters of polyols, and derivatives of the above compounds containing sulphate, sulphonate and phosphate functions. The presence of at least one surfactant is generally essential when the active material and/or the inert support are water-insoluble and when the vector agent for the application is water. Preferably, surfactant content may be comprised between 5% and 40% by weight of the composition.

Additional components may also be included, e.g. protective colloids, adhesives, thickeners, thixotropic agents, penetration agents, stabilisers, sequestering agents. More generally, the active materials can be combined with any solid or liquid additive, which complies with the usual formulation techniques.

In general, the composition according to the invention may contain from 0.05 to 99% (by weight) of active material, preferably 10 to 70% by weight.

Compositions according to the present invention can be used in various forms such as aerosol dispenser, capsule suspension, cold fogging concentrate, dustable powder, emulsifiable concentrate, emulsion oil in water, emulsion water in oil, encapsulated granule, fine granule, flowable concentrate for seed treatment, gas (under pressure), gas generating product, granule, hot fogging concentrate, macrogranule, microgranule, oil dispersible powder, oil miscible flowable concentrate, oil miscible liquid, paste, plant rodlet, powder for dry seed treatment, seed coated with a pesticide, soluble concentrate, soluble powder, solution for seed treatment, suspension concentrate (flowable concentrate), ultra low volume (ulv) liquid, ultra low volume (ulv) suspension, water dispersible granules or tablets, water dispersible powder for slurry treatment, water soluble granules or tablets, water soluble powder for seed treatment and wettable powder.

These compositions include not only compositions which are ready to be applied to the plant or seed to be treated by means of a suitable device, such as a spraying or dusting device, but also concentrated commercial compositions which must be diluted before they are applied to the crop.

The fungicidal compositions of the present invention can be used to curatively or preventively control phytopathogenic fungi of crops. Thus, according to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for preventively or curatively controlling phytopathogenic fungi of crops characterised in that a fungicidal composition as hereinbefore defined is applied to the seed, the plant and/or to the fruit of the plant or to the soil in which the plant is growing or in which it is desired to grow.

The composition as used against phytopathogenic fungi of crops comprises an effective and non-phytotoxic amount of an active material of general formula (I).

The expression “effective and non-phytotoxic amount” means an amount of composition according to the invention which is sufficient to control or destroy the fungi present or liable to appear on the crops, and which does not entail any appreciable symptom of phytotoxicity for the said crops. Such an amount can vary within a wide range depending on the fungus to be combated or controlled, the type of crop, the climatic conditions and the compounds included, in the fungicidal composition according to the invention.

This amount can be determined by systematic field trials, which are within the capabilities of a person skilled in the art.

The method of treatment according to the present invention is useful to treat propagation material such as tubers or rhizomes, but also seeds, seedlings or seedlings, pricking out and plants or plants pricking out. This method of treatment can also be useful to treat roots. The method of treatment according to the present invention can also be useful to treat the overground parts of the plant such as trunks, stems or stalks, leaves, flowers and fruits of the concerned plant.

Among the plants that can be protected by the method according to the invention, mention may be made of cotton; flax; vine; fruit crops such as Rosaceae sp. (for instance pip fruits such as apples and pears, but also stone fruits such as apricots, almonds and peaches), Ribesioidae sp., Juglandaceae sp., Betulaceae sp., Anacardiaceae sp., Fagaceae sp., Moraceae sp., Oleaceae sp., Actinidaceae sp., Lauraceae sp., Musaceae sp. (for instance banana trees and plantins), Rubiaceae sp., Theaceae sp., Sterculiceae sp., Rutaceae sp. (for instance lemons, oranges and grapefruits); leguminous crops such as Solanaceae sp. (for instance tomatoes), Liliaceae sp., Asteraceae sp. (for instance lettuces), Umbelliferae sp., Cruciferae sp., Chenopodiaceae sp., Cucurbitaceae sp., Papilionaceae sp. (for instance peas), Rosaceae sp. (for instance strawberries); big crops such as Graminae sp. (for instance maize, cereals such as wheat, rice, barley and triticale), Asteraceae sp. (for instance sunflower), Cruciferae sp. (for instance colza), Papilionaceae sp. (for instance soja), Solanaceae sp. (for instance potatoes), Chenopodiaceae sp. (for instance beetroots); horticultural and forest crops; as well as genetically modified homologues of these crops.

Among the plants and the possible diseases of these plants protected by the method according to the present invention, mention may be made of:

-   -   wheat, as regards controlling the following seed diseases:         fusaria (Microdochium nivale and Fusarium roseum), stinking smut         (Tilletia caries, Tilletia controversa or Tilletia indica),         septoria disease (Septoria nodorum) and loose smut;     -   wheat, as regards controlling the following diseases of the         aerial parts of the plant: cereal eyespot (Tapesia yallundae,         Tapesia acuiformis), take-all (Gaeumannomyces graminis), foot         blight (F. culmorum, F. graminearum), black speck (Rhizoctonia         cerealis), powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis forma specie         tritici), rusts (Puccinia striiformis and Puccinia recondita)         and septoria diseases (Septoria tritici and Septoria nodorum);     -   wheat and barley, as regards controlling bacterial and viral         diseases, for example barley yellow mosaic;     -   barley, as regards controlling the following seed diseases: net         blotch (Pyrenophora graminea, Pyrenophora teres and Cochliobolus         sativus), loose smut (Ustilago nuda) and fusaria (Microdochium         nivale and Fusarium roseum);     -   barley, as regards controlling the following diseases of the         aerial parts of the plant: cereal eyespot (Tapesia yallundae),         net blotch (Pyrenophora teres and Cochliobolus sativus), powdery         mildew (Erysiphe graminis forma specie hordei), dwarf leaf rust         (Puccinia hordei) and leaf blotch (Rhynchosporium secalis);     -   potato, as regards controlling tuber diseases (in particular         Helminthosporium solani, Phoma tuberosa, Rhizoctonia solani,         Fusarium solani), mildew (Phytopthora infestans) and certain         viruses (virus Y);     -   potato, as regards controlling the following foliage diseases:         early blight (Alternaria solani), mildew (Phytophthora         infestans);     -   cotton, as regards controlling the following diseases of young         plants grown from seeds: damping-off and collar rot (Rhizoctonia         solani, Fusarium oxysporum) and black root rot (Thielaviopsis         basicola);     -   protein yielding crops, for example peas, as regards controlling         the following seed diseases: anthracnose (Ascochyta pisi,         Mycosphaerella pinodes), fusaria (Fusarium oxysporum), grey         mould (Botrytis cinerea) and mildew (Peronospora pisi);     -   oil-bearing crops, for example rape, as regards controlling the         following seed diseases: Phoma lingam, Alternaria brassicae and         Sclerotinia sclerotiorum;     -   corn, as regards controlling seed diseases: (Rhizopus sp.,         Penicillium sp., Trichoderma sp., Aspergillus sp., and         Gibberella fujikuroi);     -   flax, as regards controlling the seed disease: Alternaria         linicola;     -   forest trees, as regards controlling damping-off (Fusarium         oxysporum, Rhizoctonia solani);     -   rice, as regards controlling the following diseases of the         aerial parts: blast disease (Magnaporthe grisea), bordered         sheath spot (Rhizoctonia solani);     -   leguminous crops, as regards controlling the following diseases         of seeds or of young plants grown from seeds: damping-off and         collar rot (Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium roseum, Rhizoctonia         solani, Pythium sp.);     -   leguminous crops, as regards controlling the following diseases         of the aerial parts: grey mould (Botrytis sp.), powdery mildews         (in particular Erysiphe cichoracearum, Sphaerotheca fuliginea         and Leveillula taurica), fusaria (Fusarium oxysporum, Fusarium         roseum), leaf spot (Cladosporium sp.), alternaria leaf spot         (Alternaria sp.), anthracnose (Colletotrichum sp.), septoria         leaf spot (Septoria sp.), black speck (Rhizoctonia solani),         mildews (for example Bremia lactucae, Peronospora sp.,         Pseudoperonospora sp., Phytophthora sp.);     -   fruit trees, as regards diseases of the aerial parts: monilia         disease (Monilia fructigenae, M. laxa), scab (Venturia         inaequalis), powdery mildew (Podosphaera leucotricha);     -   vine, as regards diseases of the foliage: in particular grey         mould (Botrytis cinerea), powdery mildew (Uncinula necator),         black rot (Guignardia biwelli) and mildew (Plasmopara viticola);     -   beetroot, as regards the following diseases of the aerial parts:         cercospora blight (Cercospora beticola), powdery mildew         (Erysiphe beticola), leaf spot (Ramularia beticola).

The fungicidal composition according to the present invention may also be used against fungal diseases liable to grow on or inside timber. The term “timber” means all types of species of wood, and all types of working of this wood intended for construction, for example solid wood, high-density wood, laminated wood, and plywood. The method for treating timber according to the invention mainly consists in contacting one or more compounds of the present invention, or a composition according to the invention; this includes for example direct application, spraying, dipping, injection or any other suitable means.

The fungicidal composition according to the present invention may also be used in the treatment of genetically modified organisms with the compounds according to the invention or the agrochemical compositions according to the invention. Genetically modified plants are plants into in which genome a heterologous gene encoding a protein of interest has been stably integrated. The expression “heterologous gene encoding a protein of interest” essentially means genes which give the transformed plant new agronomic properties, or genes for improving the agronomic quality of the transformed plant.

The dose of active material usually applied in the treatment according to the present invention is generally and advantageously between 10 and 2000 g/ha, preferably between 20 and 1500 g/ha for applications in foliar treatment. The dose of active substance applied is generally and advantageously between 1 and 200 g per 100 kg of seed, preferably between 2 and 150 g per 100 kg of seed in the case of seed treatment. It is clearly understood that the doses indicated above are given as illustrative examples of the invention. A person skilled in the art will know how to adapt the application doses according to the nature of the crop to be treated.

The compositions according to the present invention may also be used fore the preparation of composition useful to curatively or preventively treat human and animal fungal diseases such as, for example, mycoses, dermatoses, trichophyton diseases and candidiases or diseases caused by Aspergillus spp. or Candida spp., for example Aspergillus fumigatus or Candida albicans respectively.

The present invention will now be illustrated with the following example:

EXAMPLE 1 Efficacy against Mycosphaerella graminicola of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and tebuconazole

The active ingredients tested are prepared by potter homogenisation in a mixture of acetone/tween/water. This suspension is then diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Wheat plants (Scipion variety), sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate in starter cups and grown at 12° C., are treated at the 1-leaf stage (10 cm tall) by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by spraying them with an aqueous suspension of Mycosphaerella graminicola spores (500000 spores per ml). The spores are collected from a 7-day-old culture. The contaminated wheat plants are incubated for 72 hours at 18° C. and at 100% relative humidity, and then for 21 to 28 days at 90% relative humidity.

Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 21 to 28 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and tebuconazole alone and in a 1/1 weight ratio mixture.

Dose % Synergism (g/ha) Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 15 25 — 31 65 — Tebuconazole 15 15 — 31 15 — Compound 1 + 15 + 15 75 +39 tebuconazole 31 + 31 80 +10 (Ratio 1/1)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 2 Efficacy against Erysiphe graminis f. sp. graminis of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and prothioconazole

The active ingredients tested are prepared by potter homogenisation in a mixture of acetone/tween/water. This suspension is then diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Wheat plants (Audace variety) in starter cups, sown on 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 12° C., are treated at the 1-leaf stage (10 cm tall) by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above.

Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by dusting them with Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici spores, the dusting being carried out using diseased plants.

Grading is carried out 7 to 14 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and prothioconazole alone and in a 1/2 weight ratio mixture.

Dose % Synergism (g/ha) Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 125 20 — 62.5 0 — Prothioconazole 250 60 — 125 0 — Compound 1 + 125 + 250 85 +17 prothioconazole  62 + 125 70 +70 (Ratio 1/2)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 3 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and propiconazole

The active ingredients tested are prepared by potter homogenisation in a mixture of acetone/tween/water. This suspension is then diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and propiconazole alone and in different weight ratio mixtures.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 12 0 — 37 30 — 111 80 — Propiconazole 37 30 — 111 50 — 333 70 — Compound 1 + propiconazole  37 + 333 100 21 (Ratio 1/9)  12 + 111 100 50 Compound 1 + propiconazole  37 + 111 100 +35 (Ratio 1/3) Compound 1 + propiconazole 37 + 37 80 +29 (Ratio 1/1)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 4 Efficacy against Erysiphe graminis f. sp. graminis of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and cyproconazole

The formulated (concentrated suspension) compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration Wheat plants (Audace variety) in starter cups, sown on 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 12° C., are treated at the 1-leaf stage (10 cm tall) by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above.

Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by dusting them with Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici spores, the dusting being carried out using diseased plants.

Grading is carried out 7 to 14 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and cyproconazole alone and in a 2/1 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (g/ha) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 62.5 10 — Cyproconazole 31.2 15 — Compound 1 + cyproconazole 62.5 + 31.2 60 +37 (Ratio 2/1)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 5 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide Compound 1) and difenconazole

The active ingredients tested are prepared by potter homogenisation in a mixture of acetone/tween/water. This suspension is then diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and difenconazole alone and in different weight ratio mixtures.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1  37 0 — 111 80 — Difenconazole 111 15 — 333 25 — Compound 1 + difenconazole  37 + 111 80 +65 (Ratio 1/3) Compound 1 + difenconazole 111 + 111 100 +17 (Ratio 1/1) Compound 1 + difenconazole 111 + 333 80 +55 (Ratio 1/9)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 6 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and hexaconazole

The active ingredients tested are prepared by potter homogenisation in a mixture of acetone/tween/water. This suspension is then diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and hexaconazole alone and in a 1:27 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1  4 10 — Hexaconazole 111 15 — Compound 1 + hexaconazole  4 + 111 98 +19 (Ratio 1:27)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 7 Efficacy against Erysiphe graminis f. sp. graminis of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and metconazole

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration. Wheat plants (Audace variety) in starter cups, sown on 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 12° C., are treated at the 1-leaf stage (10 cm tall) by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above.

Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by dusting them with Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici spores, the dusting being carried out using diseased plants.

Grading is carried out 7 to 14 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and metconazole alone and in a 8:1 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (g/ha) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 250 40 — Metconazole 31.2 50 — Compound 1 + metconazole  250 + 31.2 80 +10 (Ratio 8:1)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 8 Efficacy against Puccinia recondita of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and epoxiconazole

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration Wheat plants (Scipion variety) in starter cups, sown on 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 12° C., are treated at the 1-leaf stage (10 cm tall) by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above.

Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by spraying the leaves with an aqueous suspension of Puccinia recondita spores (100,000 spores per ml). The spores are collected from a 10-day-old contaminated wheat and are suspended in water containing 2.5 ml/l of tween 80 10%. The contaminated wheat plants are incubated for 24 hours at 20° C. and at 100% relative humidity, and then for 10 days at 20° C. and at 70% relative humidity. Grading is carried out 10 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and epoxiconazole alone and in different weight ratio mixtures.

Dose Synergism (g/ha) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 62.5  0 — 250  0 — Epoxiconazole 15.6 25 — Compound 1 + epoxiconazole  250 + 15.6 80 +55 (Ratio 16:1) Compound 1 + epoxiconazole 62.5 + 15.6 85 +60 (Ratio 4:1)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed

EXAMPLE 9 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and myclobutanil

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension, described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and myclobutanil alone and in different weight ratio mixtures.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 12.3 0 — 37 50 — Myclobutanil 333 0 — Compound 1 + myclobutanil 12.3 + 333  53 +53 (Ratio 1:27) Compound 1 + myclobutanil  37 + 333 70 +20 (Ratio 1:9)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 10 Efficacy against Puccinia recondita of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and triadimenol

The active ingredients tested are prepared by potter homogenisation in a mixture of acetone/tween/water. This suspension is then diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Wheat plants (Scipion variety) in starter cups, sown on 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 12° C., are treated at the 1-leaf stage (10 cm tall) by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above.

Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by spraying the leaves with an aqueous suspension of Puccinia recondita spores (100,000 spores per ml). The spores are collected from a 10-day-old contaminated wheat and are suspended in water containing 2.5 ml/l of tween 80 10%. The contaminated wheat plants are incubated for 24 hours at 20° C. and at 100% relative humidity, and then for 10 days at 20° C. and at 70% relative humidity. Grading is carried out 10 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and triadimenol alone and in a 1:1 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (g/ha) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 250  0 — Triadimenol 250 50 — Compound 1 + triadimenol 250 +250 70 +20 (Ratio 1:1)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 11 Efficacy against Sphaerotheca fuliginea of a composition containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and fenhexamid

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration

Gherkin plants (Vert petit de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 20° C./23° C., are treated at the 2-leaves stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by spraying them with an aqueous suspension of Sphaerotheca fuliginea spores (100000 spores per ml). The spores are collected from a contaminated plants. The contaminated gerkhin plants are incubated at about 20° C./25° C. and at 60/70% relative humidity.

Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 21 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and fenhexamid alone and in a 1:9 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 4.1 28 — Fenhexamid 37 35 — Compound 1 + fenhexamid 4.1 + 37  74 +21 (Ratio 1:9)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 12 Efficacy against Mycosphaerella graminicola of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and prochloraz

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration

Wheat plants (Scipion variety), sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate in starter cups and grown at 12° C., are treated at the 1-leaf stage (10 cm tall) by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by spraying them with an aqueous suspension of Mycosphaerella graminicola spores (500000 spores per ml). The spores are collected from a 7-day-old culture. The contaminated wheat plants are incubated for 72 hours at 18° C. and at 100% relative humidity, and then for 21 to 28 days at 90% relative humidity.

Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 21 to 28 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and prochloraz alone and in a 1:4 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (g/ha) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 62.5 77 — Prochloraz 250 54 — Compound 1 + Prochloraz 62.5 + 250  98 +9 (Ratio 1/4)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 13 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and fenpropimorph

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and fenpropimorph alone and in 1:2 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (g/ha) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 31.2 20 — 62.5 30 — Fenpropimorph 62.5 10 — 125 30 — Compound 1 + fenpropimorph 31.2 + 62.5 60 +32 (Ratio 1:2) 62.5 + 125  80 +29

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 14 Efficacy against Erysiphe graminis f. sp. graminis of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and spiroxamine

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration Wheat plants (Audace variety) in starter cups, sown on 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 12° C., are treated at the 1-leaf stage (10 cm tall) by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above.

Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by dusting them with Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici spores, the dusting being carried out using diseased plants.

Grading is carried out 7 to 14 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and spiroxamine alone and in a 4:1 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (g/ha) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 500 44 — Spiroxamine 125  0 — Compound 1 + spiroxamine 500 + 125 72 +28 (Ratio 4:1)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 15 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and triforine

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and triforine alone and in different weight ratio mixtures.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 37 50 — Triforine 37  0 — 111 15 — Compound 1 + triforine 37 + 37 65 +15 (Ratio 1:1) Compound 1 + triforine  37 + 111 70 +13 (Ratio 1:3)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 16 Efficacy against Botrytis cinerea of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1) and bitertanol

The formulated compounds are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration.

Gherkin plants (Petit vert de Paris variety) in starter cups, sown on a 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 18-20° C., are treated at the cotyledon Z11 stage by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above. Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by depositing drops of an aqueous suspension of Botrytis cinerea spores (150,000 spores per ml) on upper surface of the leaves. The spores are collected from a 15-day-old culture and are suspended in a nutrient solution composed of:

-   -   20 g/L of gelatine     -   50 g/L of cane sugar     -   2 g/L of NH4NO3     -   1 g/L of KH2PO4

The contaminated gherkin plants are settled for 5/7 days in a climatic room at 15-11° C. (day/night) and at 80% relative humidity. Grading (% of efficacy) is carried out 5 to 7 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and bitertanol alone and in a 1:9 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (ppm) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 12.3 5 — Bitertanol 333 0 — Compound 1 + bitertanol 12.3 + 333  95 +90 (Ratio 1:9)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixture tested has been observed.

EXAMPLE 17 Efficacy against Erysiphe graminis f. sp. graminis of a mixture containing N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide (Compound 1), spiroxamine and prothioconazole

The formulated compounds (Compound 1 and a mix of spiroxamine (300 g/l) and prothioconazole (160 g/l) are diluted with water to obtain the desired active material concentration Wheat plants (Audace variety) in starter cups, sown on 50/50 peat soil-pozzolana substrate and grown at 12° C., are treated at the 1-leaf stage (10 cm tall) by spraying with the aqueous suspension described above.

Plants, used as controls, are treated with an aqueous solution not containing the active material.

After 24 hours, the plants are contaminated by dusting them with Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici spores, the dusting being carried out using diseased plants.

Grading is carried out 7 to 14 days after the contamination, in comparison with the control plants.

The following table summarises the results obtained when tested compound 1 and the mix of spiroxamine and prothioconazole alone and in a 8:1 weight ratio mixture.

Dose Synergism (g/ha) % Efficacy (Colby) Compound 1 125  0 — Spiroxamine + 15.6 45 — prothioconazole Compound 1 + spiroxamine +  125 + 15.6 95 +50 prothioconazole (Ratio 8:1)

According to the Colby method, a synergistic effect of the mixtures tested has been observed. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. A fungicidal composition comprising: (a) fluopyram (N-{2-[3-chloro-5-(trifluoromethyl)-2-pyridinyl]ethyl}-2-trifluoromethylbenzamide); (b) a compound selected from the group consisting of bitertanol, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, epoxiconazole, hexaconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, propiconazole, prothioconazole, spiroxamine, tebuconazole, and triadimenol; in an (a)/(b) weight ratio of from 0.01 to 20; and, optionally, (c) a compound selected from the group consisting of bitertanol, cyproconazole, difenoconazole, epoxiconazole, fenhexamid, fenpropimorph, hexaconazole, metconazole, myclobutanil, prochloraz, propiconazole, prothioconazole, spiroxamine, tebuconazole, triadimenol, and triforine that is different from (b); in an (a)/(b)/(c) weight ratio of from 1/0.01/0.01 to 1/20/20; the ratios of compound (a) and compound (c) varying independently from each other; provided that if (b) is tebuconazole, (c) is not optional.
 2. The fungicidal composition of claim 1, wherein compound (b) is selected from the group consisting of prothioconazole, tebuconazole, and triadimenol and compound (c) is selected from the group consisting of prothioconazole, tebuconazole, triadimenol and spiroxamine.
 3. The fungicidal composition of claim 1, wherein compound (b) is one of prothioconazole or tebuconazole, and compound (c) is the other of prothioconazole or tebuconazole.
 4. A method for preventively or curatively controlling phytopathogenic fungi of crops comprising applying an effective and non-phytotoxic amount of the fungicidal composition of claim 1 to the seed, the plant and/or to the fruit of the plant or to the soil in which the plant is growing or in which it is desired to grow.
 5. A method for preventively or curatively controlling phytopathogenic fungi of crops comprising applying the fungicidal composition of claim 1 to the plant and/or to the fruit of the plant or to the soil in which the plant is growing or in which it is desired to grow at a dose of 30 g/ha. 